24-year-old skateboard rider struck by car in Shoreview dies

A 24-year-old man riding a skateboard on Monday night in Shoreview along a wooded stretch of Rice Street near Interstate 694 was struck by a car and died from his injuries.

Ryan E. Esslinger was struck about 7:40 p.m. in the 3700 block of Rice Street by a car in the northbound lane. The accident happened along the western edge of Vadnais Lake.

Ramsey County sheriff's deputies responding to the call found Esslinger unconscious but breathing. After being treated by paramedics, he was brought to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, said Randy Gustafson, spokesman for the Sheriff's Office.

Esslinger died there a short time later.

The 21-year-old driver of the car called 911 immediately to report the accident and cooperated fully with authorities. His name was not released because the investigation was still underway, but he was wearing a seat belt and not under the influence of alcohol, Gustafson said.

The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office is investigating the accident along with the State Patrol.